NASA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I become active in NASA?
I have a really important issue that I think will be of interest to a lot of students. What can NASA do about it?
I want to apply to graduate school. What is the best anthropology graduate program?
Is there a "fast track" Ph.D. program in Anthropology?
What kind of job can I get with an anthropology degree?
I know it is important that I meet professional anthropologists, but I don't know how.
How do I find out about field schools?
Q: How can I become active in NASA?
There are several ways to get involved with NASA:
1) Write an article and submit it to, our editor, we are always looking for contributions for the AAA Newsletter and NASA Bulletin. It can be about your research, an interesting anthropological experience, advice for other students, or any other topic you feel is relevant
2) Submit a session or a paper for the annual meetings through NASA.3) Join a committee. We need members for the nominations and awards committees.4) Help keep our web site up-to date, fill us in on information you think we should include!
Q: I have a really important issue that I think will be of interest to a lot of students. What can NASA do about it?NASA is open to sponsoring committees that take action on specific issues of interest to students. Please let us know about it, and we will be happy to consider your committee or action. Contact your one of your Undergraduate-at-Large or Graduate-at-Large Representatives.
There is no single best anthropology program. Many schools are rated highly, but the real question is, what is the best program for you. What are your interests? Which school has professors who are doing work that you find interesting? Are you looking for an MA or a Ph.D., academic or applied work? You can find out more about individual departments by looking in the AAA Guide. Most departments now have websites which tell you about their programs, the faculty, and courses offered. Don¹t be afraid to call or email people to ask more about their school. Often students who are already enrolled in the program you are looking at can be a great source of information. Ask the department office to put you in contact with some students. Also, check out the AAA Resources for Students in Anthropology page.
Unfortunately, there is no "fast track" Ph.D. in anthropology! There are some programs that do not require an MA first, which can save 1-2 years in coursework. You will have to look at individual programs to find out their requirements. The best advice for getting through the Ph.D. quickly is to have some idea what you want to do your dissertation on, and really focus on it. Most programs will require a couple of years of full time course work, but it is your dissertation which will take the most time. Having a clear idea of what you want to do in graduate school, and stating it clearly on your applications will also help you with the admissions process. Also, check out the AAA Resources for Students in Anthropology page.
There are lots of jobs available to anthropology graduates with BAs, MAs, and Ph.D.s. With an anthropology degree you will have a strong liberal arts and social science background that you can apply to dozens of jobs. Many people choose to pursue an academic career, looking for teaching and research positions in colleges and universities. Others find positions in museums. More and more anthropologists are heading to applied jobs: contract archaeology, forensic anthropology, and other jobs outside the traditional mainstream anthropology tracks. A recent article in USA Today cited the need for anthropologists in the corporate world! For more information, check out the AAA Resources for Students in Anthropology page.
Networking is an important part of getting a job in any field, including anthropology. Getting to know people involves being a bit aggressive, which is difficult for many students. Don't be shy! Attend national or regional meetings with professionals, and introduce yourself. Maybe you heard a talk that was interesting, or saw someone whose books and papers you have enjoyed. Maybe it is a professor from a school you are interested in. Most professionals are pleased to meet students and answer questions. Give papers yourself, it is an excellent way for others in your area to learn about you and your work. If you can't make it to meetings, write letters or email people whose work you admire or who you would like to work with.
Most anthropology field schools are archaeological expeditions, though there are a few ethnographic and even physical anthropology field schools. Most schools advertise their programs in anthropology departments, so check your department office. The Archaeological Institute of America publishes a Bulletin every year listing many field schools as well. And of course, you can go on-line:
The National Park Service has an on-line comprehensive list of archaeological and ethnological field work opportunities.
Archaeology on the Net lists archaeological fieldwork opportunities all over the world along with participation details.
There are hundreds of field schools held in the U.S. alone. To find one in your area, try a Google search.Also, check out the AAA Resources for Students in Anthropology page.
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Last Updated: Monday, October 27, 2008 7:49 PM PST
